Yellowjackets Knock the Monkey off Their Backs

Abilene Christian Box Score

Dixie State Box Score

DURANGO, Colo. – You can no longer say that Montana State University Billings is winless.  The Yellowjackets (1-7) came flying back to beat Dixie State 3-2 (18-25, 25-22, 21-25, 27-25, 15-11) in the last game of the Fort Lewis Tournament, Saturday night.  The victory was the first win at MSUB for head coach Dana Cordova and snapped an eight match losing streak dating back to Nov. 10, 2007.  The Jackets had lost to Abilene Christian 3-0 (25-18, 28-26, 25-19) in the morning match.  MSUB is off until Thursday, Sept. 11, when the open the home and GNAC season against Alaska Fairbanks.  The match is scheduled to start at 7:00 p.m.

“I’m so proud of my players” said Cordova.  “Against Dixie State, we played with the best consistency of the entire season.  They never ever gave up in the match.  Our first seven matches were frustrating because we were facing teams that, talent wise, were on a par with us.  They finally learned the value of playing as a team and not as six individuals.  With this confidence, I feel we will be a tough team to beat the rest of the season.”

Against Dixie State, it was a barnburner the whole match.  The moments which may proved to be the turning point, came near the end of game four.  Down two games to one and trailing 24-23, Jennifer Boe ripped one down the line to knot it up.  After giving up a point, the Yellowjackets faced match point again. Once again Boe spiked it home, followed by kills from Jessica Lechner and Devon Crotteau to force a fifth and deciding game.  Up 10-9, Boe had two kills and Rosey Falemaka had one to effectively end the match.
For MSUB, Crotteau had 19 kills, 10 digs and hit .260, Boe had 17 kills with 11 digs and hit .217 while Jill Trabing had 20 digs.  Hillary Morrison and Alohanui Pekipaki quarterbacked the offense with 29 assists apiece.  Lechner led the defensive charge with six total blocks.

For the Rebels (4-4), Katie Luna had 23 kills with 14 digs and hit .291 while Cami Johnson had 16 kills with 18 digs.

In the opening match, MSUB played tough in all three games only to fall short.  Crotteau had 14 kills while Pekipaki came away with 12 digs.